Aghaian

Seda Galstian Aghaian, Aida Galstian Norhadian, and Andranik Galstian (Plaintiffs) challenge the trial court’s order staying this action on the ground of forum non conveniens. The trial court found the matter to be more appropriately heard in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran). The sole issue on appeal is whether Iran is a suitable alternative forum. It is not. Thus, we reverse the court’s order.

FACTS

Plaintiffs are the children and heirs of Gagik Galstian and Knarik Galstian. Gagik and Knarik owned a number of properties in Iran, but were forced to abandon them in September 1978, when the family fled to Los Angeles after the overthrow of the Shah. In or about 1991, the Galstians learned they could recover their properties through a man named Jalinous, who was their friend and a lawyer in Iran. To that end, Gagik executed a series of powers of attorney naming Jalinous and others as his attorneys in fact over the properties in Iran. In February of 1996, the Iranian government issued a written ruling to allow Gagik and his family to enter and leave Iran, reclaim all of their properties, and freely engage in property transactions. The parties then began the process of…